QCSD will add Chlorine to water system after Coliform detected

Quincy residents might notice a different taste and smell from their tap water for the next few days.

The Quincy Community Services District reported that it would be adding Chlorine to its water system Thursday.

The Chlorine treatment is a precaution after the QCSD water tested positive for Coliform.

Coliform is not to be confused with E. Coli or other dangerous bacteria. However, according to the QCSD, trace amounts of Coliform violate drinking-water standards.

The QCSD sent automated phone messages to residents Wednesday informing them of the situation.

People with questions can call the QCSD at 283-0836. The Easter Quincy Community Services District said Thursday that its water was not affected.

QCSD general manager Larry Sullivan said the Coliform presence was likely a result of the heavy rains that saturated the American Valley over the past week.

He said regularly scheduled water samples taken Dec. 3 and 4 showed trace amounts of the bacteria.

Sullivan said the source of the Coliform was traced to one of the district’s six water sources. He said that source has been shut off.

“The Spring line is the culprit,” Sullivan said. “We isolated that yesterday. It has been shut off and we are keeping it shut off.”

Sullivan said the spring has “been a problem over the years,” particularly after heavy rain. He said he might recommend to the district’s board that the spring be shut off completely.”

The spring, which uses 13,000 feet (nearly three miles) of pipe that must now be inspected, is located in Section 27, up Watershed Road.

Sullivan said the water samples that showed traces of Coliform were “clear to the eye.”

He said the disinfection would be done by adding one part per million of Chlorine. He said the Chlorine would stay in the water for at least a day before it is flushed out.

“We have been in communication and working with the state health department from the beginning,” Sullivan said. “We will probably let the Chlorine sit for today (Thursday) and Friday before we flush it and take another sample.”

Although the Chlorine treatment will be done just once, people could notice it in the taste and smell of the water for several days.

The district faced a similar situation three years ago. Chlorine was added to the water in that instance as well.